The Children’s Health Pantry ANOTHER MILESTONEIn December 2009, the number of basic health care kits distributed since the Children’s Health Pantry began in 2002 passed 5,000. In the first full year, 2003, total distribution was 288 kits. Last year, 2009, the total was 1,118 kits. A large increase occurred in 2007 when a federal/state program called Right from the Start became more available in Harrison County. The program provides intensive prenatal and postnatal services for eligible women through pregnancy and up to the infant’s first birthday. The Children’s Health Pantry is unique in that it is not a direct-service provider, but provides resources to social service agencies and other entities who in turn use the kits as teaching tools or emergency help for at-risk children and their families. The program has helped to improve lives and futures. Recognition is due for the time and efforts of many faithful volunteers, and the support of the congregation, WV Presbytery, PCUSA, and the community 
 Childrens Health Pantry
Funded by the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church and grants from the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Sacred Heart Children's Center Inc., as well as donations from individuals, other churches and civic organizations, the Children's Health Pantry distributed over 1,000 kits in 2008. Also in 2008 the pantry recieved a Thank Offering grant from Presbyterian Women U.S.A., for a companion ministry, A New Book for Every Child. In addition to the personal care kits, children up to age 18 may also receive age-appropriate books of their own.
Presbyterian Coffee ProjectThe Bridgeport Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Coffee Project. The Presbyterian Coffee Project is part of a larger movement called Equal Exchange, a Fair Trade co-operative, which supports a just system of trade that allows small farmers to stay on their land, support their families, plan for the future and care for the environment. Over 90% of the crops raised by small farm partners are certified organic, meaning that no toxic chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides are used that pollute the air or harm the earth. Equal Exchange supports small-scale farmer practices such as terracing, water conservation, manual weeding, and crop diversification-all of which lead to greater soil fertility and reduce erosion. Farmers in Fair Trade co-operatives are encouraged to plant additional coffee trees and citrus plants to assist and increase bio-diversity and wildlife habitats. These practices also improve pest control, help avoid soil erosion, and provide other food sources to the community. Co-op farmers plant shade trees as opposed to clear cutting trees in conventional monocrop plantations. This helps to preserve songbird habitat, shield farmers from harmful UV rays, cool the planet, and absorb carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse grass. All of these techniques help to remedy the extensive degradation and deforestation that has occurred in countries over decades of environmental abuse. This concern with the environment dovetails nicely with the recent formation of a subcommittee of the Social and Ecumenical Ministries Committee of the Presbytery of West Virginia which will be a resource for those within the Presbytery seeking to become better stewards of God’s creation. This new subcommittee is entitled “Stewardship of Creation.” More information can be obtained from the Presbytery website: www.wvpresbytery.org and clicking on Social and Ecumenical Ministries and then Stewardship of Creation. The Bridgeport Presbyterian Church sells coffee, tea, cocoa and nuts from the Presbyterian Coffee Project. For more information on Equal Exchange and the Interfaith Store, of which the Presbyterian Coffee Project is a part, go to www.equalexchange.coop and click on the Interfaith Store. |
Address: 1 John Calvin Dr. Bridgeport WV 26330
Phone: (304) 842-2211
Email: Pastor Robin
Email: Office
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